Salesman's son dropped out of college, took to road selling plush toys. Sold first line of stuffed animals 1986. Beanie Babies hit shelves 1993; created collecting craze. Last year sales down an estimated 30% to $375 million as popularity of bean-filled cuties wanes. Trying to rehab toy business; now has licensing deals, partnerships with Nascar, Paramount. Also dolls: recently released Ty Girlz can be registered online to allow kids to shop, take vacations virtually. Owns Four Seasons hotel in New York, resorts in California, Hawaii, Mexico. Recently renovated the Kennedy Cottage at his San Ysidro Ranch in California; travelers pay $2,990 per night to sleep in cottage occupied by John and Jackie Kennedy on their honeymoon.